KR20090001090A - Image communication apparatus and control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An image communication apparatus and a control method thereof are provided to store communication contents in a voice format, a text format or an image format. A display unit(410) displays an image signal. A photographing unit(220) photographs and processes a user image. An audio input unit(210) inputs a user audio signal. An encoding unit(310) encodes the user image signal and the user audio signal respectively. A decoding unit(320) decodes the encoded image signal and audio signal received through a communication unit. A control unit(340) converts one of the user audio signal, the user image signal, and the decoded image signal and audio signal into a data file.

Description

IMAGE COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD OF THE SAME}

1 is a control block diagram of a video communication apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a control block diagram of a video communication apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a diagram showing a data file agreement menu window of a video communication apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a diagram showing a data file menu window of a video communication apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a control flowchart for explaining a voice signal storage method of a video communication apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

6 is another control block diagram of the video communication apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a diagram showing a data file playback menu window of the video communication apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a control flowchart for explaining a voice signal reproducing method of a video communication apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

9 is a view showing an object information storage menu window of a video communication apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

10 is a control flowchart for explaining a method of storing object information of a video communication apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a control flowchart for explaining the control method of the video communication apparatus of the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

100, 101: video communication device 210: voice input unit

220: imaging unit 230: user input unit

500: communication unit 310: encoding unit

320: decoding unit 330: storage unit

340: control unit 345: voice-to-text conversion unit

350: UI generator 360: text-to-speech converter

410: display unit 420: audio output unit

The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an image communication apparatus for storing communication contents and a control method thereof.

Today, many video communication solutions have emerged as the speed of internet dedicated lines has increased. Indeed, the proliferation of programs like SkyPe makes video calling affordable anywhere in the world. Also, while still in the trial phase, someday video communications will be as common as current telephones. And such a video communication system will be introduced into a vehicle.

In the operation of the video communication system as described above, the video communication user can store the communication contents according to the user's preference or necessity. In such a case, an environment for the user to store communication contents in various forms is required.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image communication apparatus and a control method thereof capable of storing communication contents in various forms.

Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image communication apparatus and a control method thereof capable of storing communication contents in a voice format, a text format or a video format.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an image communication apparatus and a control method thereof capable of storing object information on the movement of an object together with communication contents in a voice form or a text form.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a video communication apparatus and a control method for providing various UIs through which a user can select a form in which communication contents are stored.

The object is, according to the present invention, a display unit for displaying a video signal; An imaging unit which picks up and processes a user image; A voice input unit for inputting a user voice signal; An encoder which encodes the user video signal processed by the image pickup unit and the user audio signal, respectively; A communication unit which receives an encoded video signal and an encoded audio signal from the outside and transmits the encoded video signal and the encoded audio signal through the encoder; A decoding unit decoding the encoded video signal and the encoded audio signal received through the communication unit; A storage unit; And a control unit which converts at least one of the user audio signal, the user video signal, the decoded video signal, and the decoded audio signal into a data file, and stores the converted data file in the storage unit. Achieved by the device.

The video communication apparatus includes a user input unit for selecting a data storage function; The apparatus may further include a UI generator configured to generate UI information to be displayed on the display unit. The controller may further include a first menu window for selecting a data format of the data file to be stored when the data storage function is selected through the user input unit. It is preferable to control the UI generator to be displayed on the display unit.

The data format may include at least one of an audio compression format, an image compression format, and a text format.

Preferably, the first menu window includes an item for selecting at least one of the audio compression format, the image compression format, and the text format so that a user can select a stored data format.

The controller may include a voice-to-text converter for converting at least one of the user voice signal and the decoded voice signal into the text format.

The video communication apparatus may further include a text-to-speech converter for converting the text format into a voice signal.

The apparatus may further include a voice output unit configured to output the user voice signal and the decoded voice signal.

The control unit controls the UI generating unit to display a second menu window including an item for selecting a reproduction type of the data file when a reproduction command of the data file stored through the user input unit is input. Preferably, the storage unit and the text-to-speech converter are controlled such that the data file is output to one of the voice output device and the display unit according to the selected reproduction mode.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, there is provided a control method of a video communication apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: processing a captured user image; Encoding the processed user video signal and the user's audio signal; Transmitting the encoded video signal and the encoded audio signal to the outside; Receiving an encoded video signal and an encoded audio signal from the outside; Decoding the received encoded video signal and the received encoded audio signal; It may also be achieved by a control method of a video communication apparatus including performing a data storage function of converting at least one of the user voice signal, the decoded video signal, and the decoded voice signal into a data file. .

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In various embodiments, like reference numerals refer to like elements, and like reference numerals refer to like elements in the first embodiment and may be omitted in other embodiments.

1 is a control block diagram of a video communication apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the image communication apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a voice input unit 210, an imaging unit 220, an encoding unit 310, a decoding unit 320, a storage unit 330, and a display unit ( 410, the communication unit 500, and a control unit 340 for controlling them.

The voice input unit 210 is for inputting a user voice signal. That is, a user who performs a video communication communicates while viewing an image. At this time, the user and the other party input a call voice. As the voice input unit 210, a conventional microphone may be used.

The imaging unit 220 captures and processes a user image. The imaging unit 220 includes a camera as an imaging device for capturing an image, and includes an image signal processor (ISP) for processing an image captured by the imaging device. The captured image signal is displayed on the display unit 410 or transmitted to the outside through the communication unit 500.

The encoder 310 encodes the user video signal processed by the image pickup unit 220 and the user voice signal input through the voice input unit 210. The audio signal and the video signal encoded by the encoder 310 may be transmitted to the outside through the communication unit 500 and input to a communication unit (not shown) of the other party performing the communication, or may be encoded by the decoding unit 320. Here, the encoder 310 encodes a video signal using a video compression algorithm (for example, MPEG4).

The decoder 320 decodes an encoded video signal and an audio signal received from the outside, or a signal input through the image capturing unit 220 and the audio input unit 210 and encoded through the encoder 310. The decoding unit 320 is basically set to decode a signal received from the outside. However, in some cases, the user's own image and the counterpart's image may be simultaneously displayed on one screen according to the user's selection.

The communication unit 500 receives an encoded video signal and an encoded audio signal through a predetermined communication path or inputs the image signal to the image communication apparatus 100 to transmit the encoded audio signal and the video signal to the encoder 310 to the outside. . The communication unit 500 may be a network communication network including the Internet, an Ethernet host, or may be a one-to-one communication network instead of a network communication network. In addition, the communication unit 500 may include both wired and wireless communication networks. The video communication apparatus according to the present embodiment may apply a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) using a packet network for data communication to convert a voice signal into an Internet protocol data packet and then transmit it externally.

The display unit 410 displays the video signal decoded by the decoding unit 320 and the data file stored in the storage unit 330 in an image format or a text format. The display unit 410 may include a CRT, an LCD, a PDP, and other display elements. In this case, when the LCD is employed as the display unit 410, preferably the image signal decoded by the decoding unit 320 is input between the decoding unit 320 and the display unit 410. The control unit may further include a scaling unit for outputting to the display unit 410.

The storage unit 330 stores a data file of an audio signal and an image signal input from the audio input unit 210, the image capturing unit 220, or the communication unit 500 under the control of the controller 340. The data file may be classified into an audio compression format, an image compression format, or a text format.

The controller 340 converts at least one of a user voice signal, a user video signal, a decoded video signal, and a decoded audio signal into a data file when a predetermined condition occurs, that is, a specific event in which a voice signal or a video signal is stored. In addition, the converted data file is stored in the storage unit 330. The data file may include an audio compression format, an image compression format, and a text format. The audio compression format is a format in which an audio signal is compressed, and the video compression format is a format based on a video compression algorithm supported by the encoding unit 310, and the text format refers to a form of characters that the user can visually recognize. The text format may be implemented in various languages such as Korean, English, or Japanese, and may include a symbol for outputting braille for the visually impaired. Or, it may include an encoded symbol having symbolism. The audio signal is stored in an audio compression format or a text format, and the video signal is stored in an image compression signal.

The condition for the controller 340 to store the audio signal or the video signal as a data file may be generated by a user setting or automatically by a default condition already set. For example, when a communication content in a text format is required, the voice signal may be set to be stored in a text format among data files.

The controller 340 may store only the voice signal or the video signal of the user among the voice signal and the video signal, or may store only the voice signal or the video signal of the counterpart received through the communication unit 500.

Although the present invention describes the video communication device 100 as an embodiment, the audio signal or the video signal as a data file and the storage unit 330 are not limited to the video communication device capable of video communication. That is, the control unit 340 and the storage unit 330 described above may be applied if the voice signal is stored in a data format even in a telephone or a radio, which is a wired / wireless voice communication device capable of only voice communication without image.

2 is a control block diagram of the video communication apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the video communication apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment includes a user input unit 230, a UI generating unit 350, The voice output unit 420 is further included, and the controller 340 includes a voice-to-text converter 345. Descriptions overlapping with the above-described embodiments will be omitted.

 The user input unit 230 is provided for the user to select a data storage function. The user input unit 230 may be provided when the user inputs a control signal for storing or reproducing an audio signal and a video signal or obtaining consent from data storage. The command 230 outputs the command to the controller 340. The user input unit 230 may include an input device such as a shortcut button, a touch pad, a keyboard, or a mouse, and may include a remote control device (remote control) that can remotely control the video communication device 200. . The shortcut button and the touch pad may be provided outside the housing of the display device. In addition, the user input unit 230 includes a signal processor (not shown) for receiving and processing a command input through the above-described input device and outputting the command to the controller 340.

The UI generator 350 generates various UI information to be displayed on the display 410 under the control of the controller 340. Various menu windows displayed on the display unit 410 as UI information will be described later.

The voice output unit 420 outputs a user's voice signal, a voice signal decoded by the decoder 320, and a voice signal stored in a voice compression format among data files stored in the storage unit 330. The voice output unit 420 may include a configuration for decompressing a voice compression format, an amplifier circuit for receiving and amplifying a voice signal, and a speaker for outputting the amplified voice signal.

The voice-text converter 345 converts a voice signal input from the voice input unit 210 or the communication unit 500 into a text format. That is, the voice-to-text converter 345 converts a voice signal of a voice type implemented by sound into a text format. In FIG. 2, the voice-to-text converter 345 is included in the controller 340, but the physical configuration is not limited thereto. That is, the voice-to-text converter 345 may be provided in the form of a separate chip under external control, and its function may be implemented by a controller for controlling the display apparatus as a whole.

3 is a diagram showing a menu window of a data file storage wing of the video communication apparatus according to the present embodiment, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data file storage menu window of the video communication apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. A control flowchart for explaining a data file storage method of the video communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a method of storing a data file by the controller 340 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

First, when a control signal for requesting consent for storing a data file is input from a counterpart during video communication, the controller 340 may display a menu window (I) of a data file storage unit, which may select whether or not to store the data file as shown in FIG. 3. The UI generator 350 is controlled to be displayed on the display unit 410. Storing the communication content is directly related to privacy protection and includes the possibility that the stored communication content can be leaked to the outside. Therefore, agreement between the two communicating parties is required first. The user can select "YES" if he agrees to save the data file, or "NO" if he refuses to save the data file. If the user selects "YES", the data file save proceeds.

If the user wants to save the data file, the data file storage command is output to the controller 340 through the user input unit 230, and a control signal for requesting the other party's consent is transmitted to the other party through the communication unit 500. will be.

When the data file is stored under the agreement of both, the UI generator 350 displays the data file storage menu window II as shown in FIG. 4 on the display 410. The data file storage menu window (II) is a second menu which is formed as a sub window when any one item of the first menu window A and the first menu window A for selecting an object for which a data file is to be stored is selected. Window (B).

The first menu window A includes items for selecting a data file, a counterpart data file, and BOTH. The user can select one or more of the items. When an item is selected, a selection mark (●) is displayed on the left side of the selected item and the selected item is activated to form a second menu window (B).

The second menu window B includes items for selecting audio compression format, video compression format, and text format, and includes an "execute" icon for saving the data file in the selected form and an "exit" icon for termination. do. When an item is selected, a selection mark (●) is displayed to the left of the selected item. The user can select an object to be stored using the first menu window A and the second menu window B, and can individually select the data format of the data file.

If the audio compression format is selected, the controller 340 compresses and stores a user audio signal or a decoded audio signal. If the video compression format is selected, the controller 340 captures a video signal of the captured user or an image of the other party received from the communication unit 500. Save the signal.

When the text format is selected, the controller 340 inputs the voice signal to the voice-to-text converter 345 so as to convert the user voice signal or the decoded voice signal into the text format, and stores the converted voice signal in the text format. Stored in the unit 330. As shown in Fig. 2, the voice signal of the user input to the voice input unit 210 is stored in the voice compression format (1 path) or input to the voice-text converter 345 (2 path) in text format. After conversion to the storage unit 330 may be stored (② 'path). The voice signal input through the communication unit 500 is decoded by the decoding unit 320, and then stored in the voice compression format (3 path), or the voice signal is input to the voice-to-text converter 345 (4 path). After converting to a text format, it may be stored in a text form in the storage unit 330 (④ 'path).

5 shows a method of storing the data file, particularly the voice signal, as follows. First, when a command for storing a data file is received (S10), a control signal for requesting consent for storing the data file is output and a menu window I for selecting whether to agree is displayed on the display unit 410. . If the user or the other party agrees to save the data file (S20), the data file storage memo window II is displayed (S30).

Then, when a signal for selecting an object type and a data format form is received through the user input unit 230 (S40), the controller 340 determines whether the selected data format is a text format (S50). If the text format is selected as the data format to be stored, the voice signal is converted into the text format by the voice-to-text converter 345 and then stored (S60). When the voice compression format is selected as the storage format, the voice signal is The voice compression format is stored in the storage unit 330 (S70). On the other hand, if the user or the other party does not agree to save the data format, the data format including the voice signal is not stored.

6 is another control block diagram of the video communication apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and specifically, a control block diagram relating to a method of reproducing a stored data file. 7 is a diagram showing a data file reproduction menu window, and FIG. 8 is a control flowchart for explaining a data file reproduction method. 6 to 8, a data file reproduction process of the video communication apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6, the video communication apparatus 101 further includes a text-to-speech converter 360. The text-to-speech converter 360 converts a voice signal stored in a text format into a voice format. The voice signal converted into the voice form by the text-to-speech converter 360 is output through the voice output unit 420.

When receiving a data file play command from the user input unit 230 (S110 of FIG. 8), the controller 340 causes the data file play menu window III to be displayed on the display unit 410 as shown in FIG. 7 (S120). . The data file reproduction menu window III is a fourth menu window D which is formed as a sub window when any one of the third menu window C and the third menu window C for selecting an object to be reproduced is selected. It includes.

The third menu window C includes items for selecting a data file and a counterpart data file. In this case, the data file stored in response to the data file storage command is activated and may be displayed in bold text to inform the user of the activated state. As shown in Fig. 7, "My data file" is inactivated, and "Relative data file" is activated. The user can select one or more of the activated items. When an item is selected, a selection mark (●) is displayed on the left side of the selected item and a fourth menu window D corresponding to the selected item is formed.

The fourth menu window (D) includes an item for selecting audio form, text form, image form, and deletion, and includes an "execution" icon for reproducing the data file in the selected form and an "exit" icon for termination. do. When an item is selected, a selection mark (●) is displayed on the left side of the selected item. The user may select a data file of an object to be reproduced by using the third menu window C and the fourth menu window D, and individually set a reproduction type of the selected data file. If the user selects "delete", the data file is not played and the stored data file is deleted.

The controller 340 receives a signal for selecting the type of object and the reproduction type of the data file through the data file reproduction menu window III as described above (S130), and reproduces the data file according to the selected reproduction type. If the image type is selected, the stored image compression format is displayed on the display unit 410 through the decompression process (not shown).

Hereinafter, a method of reproducing an audio signal will be described. In order to reproduce the audio signal, first, it is determined whether the selected data file reproduction form is the audio form (S140).

As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the voice is in the form of a voice, the storage format of the currently stored voice signal is determined (S150). That is, when the stored voice signal is a voice compression format, the voice signal is output to the voice output unit 420 through the decompression process (S151).

However, if the storage format of the currently stored voice signal is a text format other than the voice compression format, it is converted into a voice format (S153). That is, the controller 340 inputs the text format voice signal stored in the storage unit 330 into the text-to-speech converter 360 to convert the voice signal into the voice form.

Then, the voice signal is reproduced by outputting the converted voice signal to the voice output unit 420 (S151).

If it is determined that the selected voice reproduction type is a text type, the controller 340 determines whether the currently stored voice signal is stored in a text format (S160). When the stored voice signal is in text format, the voice signal is displayed on the display unit 410 as it is (S161).

On the other hand, if the storage format of the currently stored voice signal is a voice compression format rather than a text format, the voice compression format is converted into a text format (S163). That is, the controller 340 inputs the voice signal of the voice compression format stored in the storage unit 330 into the voice-text converter 345 in order to convert the voice signal into the text format.

Then, the voice signal of the converted text format is displayed on the display unit 410 to reproduce the voice signal (S161).

As shown in Fig. 6, the audio signal is decompressed from the stored voice compression format and reproduced through the voice output unit 420 (5 path) or reproduced on the display unit 410 in the stored text format. Can be (⑥ path). In addition, the voice signal stored in the text format may be input to the text-to-speech converter 360 (⑦ path), converted into a voice form, and then reproduced through the voice output unit 420 (⑦ 'path). The voice signal stored in the voice form may be input to the voice-to-text converter 345 (8 path), converted into a text form, and then reproduced through the display unit 410 (8 'path).

Although the configuration for releasing the audio compression format or the image compression format is not shown, they may be included in the audio output unit 420 or the display unit 410, or may be included in the storage unit 330.

According to another embodiment, when a data file storage command is input, the controller 340 may store the data file in a preset default form. This default form may be set at the time of manufacture of the video communication apparatus, or may be set by the user after being released into the product. In this case, the user may set and change the default form using the user input unit 230 and the UI information. For example, if the user is visually impaired, the voice compression format may be set to a default form.

9 is a diagram illustrating an object information storage menu window of a video communication apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a method of storing object information of a video communication apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Control flow chart for

The image communication apparatus according to the present embodiment generates object information on an object to be photographed by using the function of the encoder 310 to encode a video signal, and stores the object information received from the communication unit 500. The object information means information about the number of objects, the appearance and exit of the object, and is a part of data stored in an image compression format.

The encoder 310 generates information about a photographed user, that is, an object, and encodes the same by using a video compression algorithm (eg, MPEG4) as described above. That is, the number of callers, the appearance and exit of each caller, and the like are detected by applying an object algorithm among video codecs to an image captured by the image pickup unit 220, and the image signal corresponding thereto is detected. Encoding At this time, when using a camera having a high resolution, only a part of the entire imaging surface is cropped and used. In this case, you can move the cropped part along the movement of the object. In other words, by moving the crop part, the object is always located in the center of the screen.

The decoding unit 320 decodes the object information input from the communication unit 500, and the control unit 340 stores the object information in a voice compression format or a text format.

When a storage command for the object information is received from the user input unit 230 (S210), and in response to a control signal requesting consent, the user and the other party receive a command to agree with the user (S220), the controller 340 is illustrated in FIG. The object information storage menu window IV shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit 410 (S230). The object information storage menu window (IV) includes a fifth menu window (E) for selecting the type of object information and a sixth menu window (F) for selecting a storage format of the object information.

Then, the controller 340 receives a selection signal for selecting the type and storage format of the object to be stored (S240) and determines whether the selected storage format is a text format (S250).

If the determination result is a text format, the object information is stored in a text format (S260). If the determination result indicates that the storage format of the selected object information is a voice compression format rather than a text format, the object information is stored in a voice compression format (S270).

Storing the object information may improve the capacity of the storage unit and the video processing load, which may be pointed out as a problem when all the video communication is stored as a video.

The user may store only the object information, only the voice signal, or both according to the capacity of the storage unit 330. In addition, the video signal excluding the audio may be stored as a video, or the entire video including the audio may be stored.

Accordingly, in response to each case, the UI generator 350 may generate a menu window for selecting a plurality of storage types.

The stored object information is reproduced in a manner similar to that shown in Figs. 6 to 8, and the user may hear the object information in a voice form or view it in text form.

11 is a control flowchart for explaining the control method of the video communication apparatus of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, the overall control method of the video communication apparatus is summarized as follows. First, an image signal for an imaged object is processed (S310).

Thereafter, the processed video signal and the call voice signal of the object are encoded, and information about the object is generated as necessary (S320). In the encoding of the video signal, the video signal is encoded using a video compression algorithm (eg, MPEG4).

When the encoding of the video signal is completed in this way, the encoded video signal and the audio signal are transmitted to the counterpart device (S330). At this time, when it is determined that there is no object (sender) in the image of the own camera, the transmission of the video signal can be stopped. In other words, the image is analyzed before the image is transmitted by the transmitting end, and if the moving object is not captured in the screen, the image is judged to be meaningless to the other party and the image transmission is stopped. This is to prevent waste of resources due to the transmission of the insignificant image. Meanwhile, the receiving end may view the last image as a still picture and then transmit and receive the image again when the moving object appears.

However, this is an embodiment of the present invention. If the image is not transmitted, the image captured by the camera employed in the display device of the present invention can be simultaneously displayed, and at this time, the image taken from the camera is encoded. And while displaying on the display device of the present invention through the decoding process, it is possible to detect the movement of the object in the captured image.

When transmission of the encoded video signal with respect to the captured image is completed, the encoded video signal and the audio signal are received from the counterpart device (S340). Thereafter, the received encoded video signal and audio signal are decoded (S350). Then, the decoded video signal is displayed and the audio signal is output (S360).

Thereafter, when a control signal for storing the audio signal and the video signal is input, at least one of the audio signal and the video signal is converted into a data file and stored therein (S370).

When a playback command for the stored audio signal or video signal is input, the stored data file is reproduced and output as an audio signal or video signal (S380). At this time, the audio signal may be reproduced in the form of voice or text, and the image signal may be reproduced as complete video or object information.

Although some embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be modified without departing from the spirit or spirit of the invention. . It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided an image communication apparatus and a control method thereof capable of storing communication contents in various forms.

Specifically, according to the present invention, there is provided an image communication apparatus and a control method thereof capable of storing communication contents in a voice format, a text format, or a video format.

In addition, the present invention provides an image communication apparatus and a control method thereof capable of storing object information on the movement of an object together with communication contents in a voice form or a text form.

The present invention also provides an image communication apparatus and a control method thereof, which provide various UIs through which a user can select a form in which communication contents are stored.

Claims (16)

In a video communication device, A display unit displaying an image signal; An imaging unit which picks up and processes a user image; A voice input unit for inputting a user voice signal; An encoder which encodes the user video signal and the user audio signal, respectively; A communication unit which receives an encoded video signal and an encoded audio signal from the outside and transmits the encoded video signal and the encoded audio signal through the encoder; A decoding unit decoding the encoded video signal and the encoded audio signal received through the communication unit; A controller for converting at least one of the user audio signal, the user video signal, the decoded video signal, and the decoded audio signal into a data file; And a storage unit for storing the converted data file. The method of claim 1, A user input unit for selecting a data storage function; The apparatus may further include a UI generator configured to display a first menu window on the display unit to select a data format for storing the converted data file when the storage command is input through the user input unit. A video communication device. The method of claim 2, And the data format includes at least one of an audio compression format, an image compression format, and a text format. The method of claim 3, And the first menu window includes an item for selecting at least one of the audio compression format, the video compression format, and the text format. The method of claim 4, wherein And a voice-to-text converter configured to output at least one of the user voice signal and the decoded voice signal into the text format. The method of claim 5, And a text-to-speech converter for converting and outputting a data file converted and stored in the text format through the voice-to-text converter. The method of claim 6, And a voice output unit configured to output at least one of the user voice signal and the decoded voice signal. The method of claim 7, wherein When a play command of the data file stored through the user input unit is input, the controller controls the UI generator to display a second menu window including an item for selecting a play type of the data file. , And the storage unit and the text-to-speech converter to output the data file stored in the storage unit to any one of the audio output device and the display unit according to the selected reproduction mode. The method of claim 4, wherein And a text-to-speech converter for outputting a data file converted and stored in the text format into voice. In the control method of the video communication apparatus, Processing the captured user image; Encoding the processed user video signal and the user's audio signal; Transmitting the encoded video signal and the encoded audio signal to the outside; Receiving an encoded video signal and an encoded audio signal from the outside; Decoding the received encoded video signal and the received encoded audio signal; And performing a data storage function of converting and storing at least one of the user voice signal, the decoded video signal, and the decoded audio signal into a data file. The method of claim 10, Receiving a selection signal for selecting the data storage function; And generating and displaying a first menu window for selecting a data format in which the data file is stored. The method of claim 11, And the first menu window includes an item for selecting at least one of an audio compression format, an image compression format, and a text format. The method of claim 12, If the text format is selected, The performing of the data storage function may include converting at least one of the user voice signal and the decoded voice signal into the text format. The method of claim 13, Receiving a data reproducing command for reproducing the data file; Generating and displaying a second menu window including an item for selecting a reproduction type of the data file; And a reproducing step of outputting the data file as an audio signal and a video signal according to the selected reproducing mode. The method of claim 14, And the second menu window includes an item for selecting at least one of an audio format, a video format, and a text format. The method of claim 15, And when the audio format is selected, the reproducing step converts the data file stored in the text format into a voice signal.

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